Publications

Purpose: This study examined the effect of bridge exercise – abdominal draw-in maneuver (ADIM) with hip adductor co-contraction on the Transverse Abdominis (TrA) thickness and whether it is as effective as a core stability exercise.

Methods: The subjects of this study, 33 men with no injuries or medical history in the past and who provided prior consent, were selected through interviews with male students of S University. The subjects performed five movements, including bridge exercise and ADIM, and performed two demonstrations and two exercises in advance. The abdominal muscles were measured using ultrasonography once in each movement, and the abdominal muscle tone was measured using a soft tissue tone measurement.

Results: There was a significant difference in the thickness between the TrA and Internal Oblique Muscles at various bridge positions (p < .05), and no significant difference with the External Oblique Muscle (p < .05). There was no significant difference in muscle tone in the Rectus abdominis part (p > .05), but a significant difference in the Oblique Muscle part (p < .05). The muscle tone of the Oblique Muscles by position showed a significant difference in Bridge, BHa, and BA compared to the rest position ( p < .05), but no significant difference with BHaA (p > .05).

Conclusion: The thickness of TrA could be increased through bridge exercise, and TrA could be activated properly using ADIM and may be an effective exercise for core stabilization.

Keywords: abdominal draw-in maneuver, bridge exercise, hip adduction co-contraction, transverse abdominis, ultrasound

The thickness of TrA can be increased while limiting the activation of superficial muscles through bridge exercise. In particular, ADIM can be used to activate TrA. As a stabilization exercise, it is suggested to perform ADIM, which activates the deep muscles.